When Professor Harold Hill first came to RiverCity, Iowa, he had to convince the towns-folk that they had lots of Trouble (“With a capital T, which rhymes with P, which stands for POOL!”). Then, when he had their attentive concern, he began to paint a glorious picture of how good it would be when they had a Boys Band. We tend to follow after those artists who raise our hearts and our vision to loftier things. Scriptures for the weekend should brighten the lives of those who’re currently taking a dim view of the quarantine frustrations and the anxiety brought by a sagging economy.
We begin with a reading from Acts 17:22-31. Paul speaks to the citizens of Athens about their concerns for “an unknown god” (just so they don’t miss any). “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” And then he tells them of the Creator God who can’t be confined to one place, but whose energies and graces extend “to all nations …though indeed {God} is not far from each one of us.” Paul paints a picture of hope to those shackled by their worries about not catching the wholeness of an extended pantheon.
We also hear some words of Peter (?), writing in his First Letter 3:13-22: “For Christ also suffered for [our] sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring YOU to God.” This letter is addressed originally to the dispersed Jews/Christians in Asia Minor, many of those who have been “suffering” in servitude to harsh masters. Surely, he says, if we’re gonna get beaten, it’s better to be maligned for being faithful than for our bad conduct. Even when bad things happen, it’s hopeful to know that even then, we can be “in Christ”.
The Gospel is that of John 14:15-21, the table talk of Jesus after the Last Supper: “I will not leave you orphaned….I will ask the Father and he will send you another Advocate to be with you forever.” The Disciples have been gloomy, wondering what’s next, without an anchor in a rough world. But Jesus’ last meeting with them is construed as a time of hope, a fulfillment of the agenda which God continues to unfold within and before them. This hopeful Spirit/Advocate is timeless, just as important today as in ancient days.
Celeste Kennel-Shank quotes Henri Nouwen (SOJOURNERS, May 2020, “Being neither an optimist nor a pessimist, Jesus speaks about hope that is not based on chances that things will get better or worse. His hope is built upon the promise that, whatever happens, God will stay with us at all times, in all places.” God’s People are called more than ever to paint pictures of hope to our prevailing audience of bleakness and gloom.
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Tales of my encounter with lessons assigned to be read on the upcoming weekend can be shared every Tuesday at this spot on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com
My Blog 
Leave a comment